Evaluation of the elderly hypertensive

The evaluation of the elderly hypertensive patient, although similar to the process used in evaluating younger patients, requires special attention. Care must be taken to discover the other risk factors and comorbid conditions so common in this age group. Secondary hypertension is rare in the elderly, but atherosclerotic renovascular hypertension is increasingly common, especially in whites, cigarette smokers, and those with resistant hypertension. Elderly hypertensives undergoing evaluation should have a complete blood count, urinalysis, serum potassium, glucose and creatinine, total serum cholesterol and HDL cholesterol, and an electrocardiogram. Further evaluation may be indicated in selected patients.